Bruddah IZ
May 20, 1959 - June 26, 1997
In Loving Memory - Israel Kamakawiwo`ole
Lately, the "In Loving Memory - Israel Kamakawiwo`ole Guestbook" has been a difficult task to upkeep on a regular basis. As a result, e-Hawaii.com was generous enough to offer some space where the guestbook process is somewhat automated. I hope you enjoy the "new" look. My apologies for any inconvenience(s) this has caused.
Name: Billie Brown
Email: bbrown@auditconcepts.com
URL:
Date: Friday, May 31, 2002
Time: 02:08 PM
Comments
May 30, 2002
My husband and I recently vacationed in Kauai and I quite by accident found IZ while I was there. I overheard his music playing in the lobby of the hotel we were staying at and immediately asked the manager to please tell me who it was singing. Our vacation would not have been the same without him. We were so saddened to hear of his passing.
He sings like an angel and we bought several CD's while we were there and played them constantly.
We're home now, and still every morning we sit on our back porch and have coffee and listen to IZ. We seem never to tire of it. I loved his saying on the IZ album "We Hawaiians, we live on both sides" I believe it.
Thank you all for sharing him with us.
Billie Brown Dallas, Texas
Name: jacob crawford
Email: crawdaddy007@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Friday, May 31, 2002
Time: 05:47 AM
Comments
I recently first heard somewhere over the rainbow/ what a wonderful world when it was played on the episode where Dr. Green passed away on ER. He was in Hawaii with his family, and he was listening to Israel's version when he passed in the night. It was very sad. My whole family now loves this song. I am sorry to hear that he is no longer with us, but I look forward to learning about him and his music. Jacob
Name: Johannes Eckert
Email: Hutablage_des_Zorns@gmx.de
URL:
Date: Friday, May 31, 2002
Time: 05:41 AM
Comments
I have just discovered IZ music. It came all over the Atlantic Ocean, even to Germany. And - I´m afraid - I just discovered, that he has already passed away. The music is so beautiful, it will stay forever in my mind.
Name: Julie
Email: jandj8562@yahoo.com
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 30, 2002
Time: 12:59 PM
Comments
I will see you, hear you, and always remember you in every rainbow I see! Your voice has reached my soul and makes everything I see and do more spiritual. How proud Marlene and Ceslianne(Wehi) must be! Thank you for the positive effect you continue to have on so many!
Name: Christian
Email: christian_schimmelpfennig@yahoo.de
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 30, 2002
Time: 11:35 AM
Comments
Hi, this is Christian writing from Germany. This evening I have seen the movie "Forrester". It es a really great film. But the last song of the film performed by Irael Kamakawiwo is so good, that it stimulated me to download it immediately. And tomorrow I will go shopping and listen to a CD from Israel Kamakowiwo. His voice sounds so good.
Greetings from Germany Christian
Name: Mike Gloria
Email: mikey3@cox.net
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Time: 01:22 PM
Comments
I can't listen to Izzie's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" without either getting a huge smile on face thinking of the sensitivity and feeling that he gives it or a tear in my eye from knowing that his gentle yet powerful voice has been silenced forever. Rest well Brahdda.
Name: hula keoni
Email: lsaliquidforce17@aol.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Time: 12:32 PM
Comments
aloha bruddahs and sistahs through me whole life i have been a true follower of bruddah IZ. i would have to say dat bruddah is da man. i live by his music and hope to one day play like him. his soal will allways be in me memories and me prayers. ive met da bruddah once in me life. i will never forget him. every now and then when im not havin a good time i play his music and its like hes with me. all me worries just float away into the sea. every night i make shure to put his cd on and fall alseep to it. its amazing. i try and turn as many bruddahs on to it as i can. there will never be another like him. IZ is my hero. SOMEWERE OVER DA RAINBOW BRAH.... ALL MY LOVE mahalo
Name: hula keoni
Email: lsaliquidforce17@aol.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Time: 12:32 PM
Comments
aloha bruddahs and sistahs through me whole life i have been a true follower of bruddah IZ. i would have to say dat bruddah is da man. i live by his music and hope to one day play like him. his soal will allways be in me memories and me prayers. ive met da bruddah once in me life. i will never forget him. every now and then when im not havin a good time i play his music and its like hes with me. all me worries just float away into the sea. every night i make shure to put his cd on and fall alseep to it. its amazing. i try and turn as many bruddahs on to it as i can. there will never be another like him. IZ is my hero. SOMEWERE OVER DA RAINBOW BRAH.... ALL MY LOVE mahalo
Name: David Dubois
Email: jdaviddubois@aol.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Time: 08:39 AM
Comments
Aloha
I have made 8 trips to Hawaii in the past 10 years and am sorry to say that it took me some time to discover the music of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I now have copies of most of his CD's and will finish the collection this year when I return. The loss to the world was great with the passing of Bruddah Iz. But we are all so fortunate that he has left such a rich legacy of music so that others may enjoy it. Again my sincere sympathy.
Mahalo,
David
Name: joyce cabell
Email: mtgreek@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Time: 08:33 AM
Comments
i just heard of iz and his music from the movie "finding forrester" and i love it. i have always liked hawaiian music; and want to visit the islands in the near future. i bought my first iz cd today; and will buy the rest of his cd's. the music world did lose a wonderful singer.
Name: joyce cabell
Email: mtgreek@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Time: 08:16 AM
Comments
i just heard of iz and his music from the movie "finding forrester" and i love it. i have always liked hawaiian music; and want to visit the islands in the near future. i bought my first iz cd today; and will order or buy the rest of his cd's. the music world did lose a wonderful singer.
Name: Jasmine
Email: J69Midnightangel@aol.com
URL:
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Time: 11:42 AM
Comments
Aloha/ Hafa Adai/ Talofa, I just wanted to say that Isreal was a great guy. I loved his voice. I know one of his cousin's here in TX, she's really nice. You know, I been away from the islands too long, I didn't even know of his passing. I feel so bad. But may he rest in peace.
Name: brodie
Email:
URL:
Date: Monday, May 27, 2002
Time: 09:06 PM
Comments
Just discovered the music of IZ. Living in Canada I had to order the cd as an import, quite expensive but no regrets. I can't wait to hear more. I wish I had known of IZ while he was with us. I share the heartfelt feelings of those here before me.
Name: Dallas Teo
Email: dt152001@yahoo.com
URL: n/a
Date: Sunday, May 26, 2002
Time: 10:39 AM
Comments
I live in california, and I was so happy to hear that someone was actually trying to preserve our culture through music, and that is when i heard Of Iz. His Music is very uplifting and they all make sense. The younger generation can now see how important our culture is through Iz's music. He brings the life of the island into the main-land showing everyone that us hawaiians are not happy about how Hawaii was annexed into the US, and are fianlly showing it and doing something about it. I was very sorry to hear of his death. He will live on through his family and his music. I regret the fact that i heard of him after his death because it would have been a dream to actually meet him and shake his hand. Aloha Oe Iz.
Name: John Rockey
Email: rockey_2@hotmail.com
URL: http://www.members.shaw.ca/rockeyis/john.htm
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2002
Time: 07:59 AM
Comments
My wife ask me to find a beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" that she heard somewhere. So I searched the net and found your beautiful music. You will be missed but your music is forever. Thank you.
Name: Beth Tanaka
Email: btanaka@sbcglobal.net
URL:
Date: Friday, May 24, 2002
Time: 09:06 PM
Comments
Iz you've been a friend and will be missed. Your songs will always live in the hearts of those who knew you and those that hear your words and songs. I can honestly say that it was a pleasure knowing and meeting those in your family. Now that I am away and listen to your music I know what it is to love Hawaii as much as you did. Thanks for being there and mostly for allowing those who were touched to just express themselves. Mahalo for making this website.
Name: Kelsey
Email:
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2002
Time: 03:53 PM
Comments
Thank you for your moving, powerful music - it is a gift I will cherish for the rest of my life, although I have never met you. I have cried every time I've heard your rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Thank you, and peace.
Name: sue
Email: sajsanfat@yahoo.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Time: 10:36 AM
Comments
do you pronounce his name I. Z. or Iz?
Name: Sasha Melody Kealoha Naone
Email: hawaiian_built_7455@yahoo.com
URL:
Date: Monday, May 20, 2002
Time: 02:31 PM
Comments
ALOHA UNCLE IZ I JUST WANTED TO SAY HAU'OLI LA HANAU 'IA 'OE!!! WHOA UNCLE YOU 43 ALREADY... I ALSO WANTED TO SAY WASSUP. I HOPE THAT YOUR BIRTHDAY WAS FILLED WITH JOY.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF AND TAKE CARE OF THE FAMILY. ME KA ALOHA PAU'OLE A HUI HOU!
Name: Stephen Wolf
Email: ssw77@aol.com
URL:
Date: Sunday, May 19, 2002
Time: 11:27 PM
Comments
I have recently become a big fan of Bruddah Iz's music. I did not know he had passed away. However I was amazed to find this site while listening to his song and realizing that today is his birthday. Happy birthday Bruddah, God bless.
Stephen
Name: Howard Hawver
Email: hlhmh@aol.com
URL:
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2002
Time: 07:52 AM
Comments
I was very unfortunate not to have seen Brudda IZ in concert. His music shows us all how big his heart was. I have almost worn out his CD's. His insite to humanity and his love for people has to be one of the bright spots for anyone who really knows his music and the person. Brudda IZ has to be one of the truly beatiful people that has touched my life. I am not Hawaiian but would like to think of my self as a Hawaiian at heart. It somehow makes me feel closer to this man and others like him. Brudda lives forever in all our hearts. Mahalo Nui Loa. Mai poina!
Name: Cindy Obermeyer
Email: obfour@bigskytel.com
URL:
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2002
Time: 05:59 AM
Comments
I am able to keep my wonderful memories of the Hawaiian Islands alive throught the beautiful music of Israel. Thank- you!
Name: sijmen wesselingh
Email: sijmen2@hetnet.nl
URL: www.geocities.com/sijmen2
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2002
Time: 03:19 AM
Comments
Is there a site with guitar tabs of Iz' music ? Thanks
Sijmen, the Netherlands
Name: A Hawaiian at Heart
Email: garyrutledge@yahoo.com
URL:
Date: Friday, May 17, 2002
Time: 06:43 PM
Comments
Bruddah Iz will always live in my heart through his music. He made me understand what it was about Hawaii that I loved but couldn't articulate. It was the spirit of the people and the beauty of the land. Like Bob Marley, his music came through him from God and I'm thankful to have heard it. Mahalo nui Bruddah Iz!
Name: Greg Huntingford
Email: gregh@hwired.com
URL:
Date: Friday, May 17, 2002
Time: 06:13 PM
Comments
I found you out too late. What a voice. I will always enjoy your music.
Greg
Name: Lori
Email: Lori5867@aol.com
URL:
Date: Friday, May 17, 2002
Time: 10:49 AM
Comments
Well I first discovered "Iz" on ER when the guy died, and my friend was like the Hawaiin version of Somewhere over the rainbow is the best, and I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. Then i downloaded it, and whenever I hear it now, I smile.
Name: Nick M.
Email: Jackass24_7@hotmail.com
URL: N/A
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2002
Time: 08:48 PM
Comments
I am 14 years old and I was listening to somewhere over the rainbow one night and I started to cry. A song like that makes you look at all the shit going on in this world today and see that the simple things in life are the best. Let Isreal's soul live on in the hearts of people who know that the only thing bigger than this man is his heart. Peace
Name: steve
Email:
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2002
Time: 08:28 AM
Comments
After hearing the most beautiful cover of Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful world, I had to find out more about the person behind that wonderful voice...and was saddened to learn of his passing, but he does live on in his music, and I will let my friends know of Bruddah IZ, so they too will know the beauty of his spirit through his music.
Name: Michael DeSimone
Email: northgate1@aol.com
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2002
Time: 08:07 AM
Comments
I first heard this recording of Somewhere over the rainbow in Etoy's commercials. But it wasnt until I was watching my wife and my favorite TV show, ER. You see we have been watching this show since the first episode aired in the early 90's and have grown attached to many of the characters, especially Mark Greene. Now this was his time to go and he was to pass away quietly in Hawaii with his children and wife. When this aired we were quite taken with him finally leaving the show, but what made the episode remarkable was Israel Kamakawiwo'ole singing the farewell song. Now I am a normal man, a wife, 3 kids and am an Staff Accountant. But I owe this much to Israel, you have touched our hearts with your music and the world has lost a treasure. May your music live on....
Name: David
Email: Gato3970@aol.com
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2002
Time: 06:47 AM
Comments
Recently IZ's rendition of "Over the Rainbow" was played almost in its entirety on a very moving episode of the television show "ER." I had heard a small part of it before on a television commercial but didn't fully appreciate the beauty of it until hearing a full version. It brought tears to my eyes with it's incredible tone and feeling. His rendition gave a new, deeper meaning to the song and I'll never forget it. I think all of our lives are richer for it.
Name: Kevin M. Lapp
Email: computers_1@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2002
Time: 06:42 AM
Comments
one of the greatest singers, wish I could have personally met him.
I will miss you Brudah!!!
Name: Mohalahaunani
Email: mohalahaunani@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Time: 06:43 PM
Comments
Braddha Iz's song E Ala `E inspired this letter protesting the Akaka Bill. I am na kanaka wahine who tore up the Akaka Bill. Writing in from Singapore!
TO: Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka cc: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, FR: Mohalahaunani great grand daughter of Kahikina Nainoaelua, Kahana O`ahu ------------------------------------------------------------
Dearest Uncle Kahikina,
First allow me to send a rainbow of my aloha to you, Uncle, in Washington. I pray that you will be open to an URGENT change of action that will benefit our people and to abandon and abort the thought of making our people into a new Indian Tribe through your Akaka Bill. My pu`uwai quickens my spirit to write you, Uncle and to convey my thoughts to you.
What are the silent truths that speak and beckon us to question the wrongs committed against us, na Kanaka Maoli of the Kingdom of Hawaii? Let us look at the canvas of America's history with our people. The portrait that their actions have painted:
1) A broken treaty with the Kingdom of Hawaii under our beloved Queen Lili`uokalani;
2) Treason;
3) Theft of a Kingdom;
4) Illegal status - Counterfeit Government;
5) Act of War against our peaceful nation;
6) Genocide against our people for more than a century that continues in present times;
The list goes on...surely Uncle, you cannot possible want to be associated with this destructive portrait. Be the hope of our people, Uncle! * "Defend our Birthright to be Free," Give our Children LIBERTY...I beseech you, Uncle, bring closure to our people's grief. Echo the voice of our freedom! KU KANAKA!
Lovingly, concerningly and sincerely conveyed,
Mohalahaunani
* taken from E Ala `E song sung by Braddha Iz -- recommended to listen in its entirety
Name: liz
Email: lizflys@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Time: 10:27 AM
Comments
My deepest sympathies to your family. Iz's version of Somewhere over the Rainbow not only is the bestest version I've ever heard but will remain so forever! I'm sure he's over the rainbow and smiling down on all those he's touches when they hear his beautiful and touching version.
Name: Deanna Petersen
Email: dpetersen@eaptemps.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Time: 07:26 AM
Comments
Bruddah IZ's music has brought me so much peace and soothing during difficult times in my own life. I am so grateful for his music and for the power of his messages about life, what's really important, Hawaii and our connection to God. Thank you so much. We are sharing our music with friends, family.
Name: LK
Email: leokeeley@aol.com
URL:
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Time: 03:47 AM
Comments
Iz was a giant. How lucky are the Hawaiians to have a man such as this as one of their own.
Iz will be seen as a giant 1,000 years from now.
RIP, Bruddah Iz. We are better people because you walked the earth alongside us. As we say in Irish: 'A chara. ach solas ard a ta se elag.'
Mahalo.
Name: Suzanne Parker
Email: subonz@yahoo.com
URL: yahoo
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Time: 12:37 AM
Comments
I too found Israel Kamakawiwo'ole because of the movie "Finding Forrester". I too bought the soundtrack just for that song and discovered IZ. I too then found out he had died, I sat down and sobbed to lose what I had just begun to know, a tender, healing songbird of the finest, sweetest vocals and a beautiful soul. I am missing you.
Name: Die Fledermaus
Email: diefldrmas@hotmail.com
URL:
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2002
Time: 06:48 PM
Comments
I am completly new to IZ I heard his Somewhere over the Rainbow on NBC's ER and had to find out who this was. I am amazed at his voice and saddened at his death. I wish I had known about him before his untimely death.
Maus
Name: jerry E.
Email: Longhairj420@aol.com
URL: http://members.aol.com/longhairj420/101.html
Date: Monday, May 06, 2002
Time: 07:14 AM
Comments
Cuz!!!...i'm ready to record my next song ..."MAUI"... i need your blessing.
Name: Mike Straughn
Email: ml_straughn@yahoo.com
URL:
Date: Sunday, May 05, 2002
Time: 05:41 PM
Comments
I just recently fell in love with his CD Alone in IZ World, he had a beautiful voice. I wish could have known him earlier. Mike
Name: Joseph
Email: keekkeo@msn.com
URL:
Date: Sunday, May 05, 2002
Time: 04:53 PM
Comments
I love hearing him sing it sometimes makes me cry and feel good. May God bless his family and may his music live on in the hearts of those who loved him and cherished his words in his songs.
Name: David Wethington
Email: datastar@hawaii.rr.com
URL:
Date: Sunday, May 05, 2002
Time: 04:10 AM
Comments
Nice site and a very nice tribute to Iz and his great talent.
Iz, we miss you, but we are so glad you passed this way!
Aloha,
Dave Wethington
Name: Les Grant
Email: submariner@telusplanet.net
URL:
Date: Saturday, May 04, 2002
Time: 04:30 PM
Comments
I've been so involved in jazz that I completely overlooked this man's tremendous talent until just recently when I heard "Over the Rainbow" and then discovered more and more of his music legacy. I'm knocked out, completely, and play his music night and day, never tiring of it.
Name: Dr. Ken Bryant
Email: drken5@attbi.com
URL:
Date: Friday, May 03, 2002
Time: 06:30 PM
Comments
I am a minister for 55 years and have a radio broadcast of 2 hours on SAT PM on three stations. My hearing aid friend told me about Israel .. I called up the web page thinking I might be able to listen. My broadcast can be heard every SAT PM on KPDQ-FM in Portland, OR 10-12 midnight pacific time. I wonder if he did any Gospel music. I have over 17,000 titles in my data base .. been doing it along with my ministry for 42 years.
God bless. KEN BRYANT